5098 John the Baptist

The forerunner of Jesus Christ, born to elderly parents of the Aaronic line. His public ministry began in the Judean wilderness with a call to repentance and baptism. His ministry is seen as a fulfilment of OT prophecy, in preparation for the ministry of Jesus Christ. He was executed by Herod.

John’s ministry

He fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecyMt 3:3 pp Mk 1:2-3 pp Lk 3:4-6Just as roads were improved in the ancient world in preparation for the visit of a king, so John calls for people to prepare spiritually and morally for the imminent coming of the Messiah. See alsoIsa 40:3; Jn 1:23

Some thought Jesus Christ to be John risen from the dead

Jesus Christ’s estimation of John

Jesus Christ sees him as marking the end of the old covenant and the arrival of the kingdomLk 16:16See alsoMt 11:12-13

Jesus Christ sees him as the promised ElijahMt 11:14On the basis of Malachi’s prophecy (Mal 4:5), it was widely accepted that Elijah must come before the Messiah could appear. This identification would have been reinforced by John dressing like Elijah (see 2Ki 1:8). See alsoMt 11:10; Mal 3:1; Mt 17:11-13 pp Mk 9:11-13

See also

Dictionary of Bible Themes Scripture index copyright Martin H. Manser, 2009. As Editor, Martin Manser wishes to thank all those who compiled or edited the NIV Thematic Study Bible, on which this work is based.